Introduction

The culture of India is an amalgamation of several religions, cultures, traditions, thoughts and
ideologies. Indian culture being the world’s oldest is the most diverse, unique and a colorful one.
Indian culture existed almost 4500 years ago when civilizations began and it has been carrying
the legacy throughout. Culture is a lifestyle, a shared pattern of interactions and behavior in the
society. For example the languages peoples speak, the food they eat, the customs they follow, the
dance styles they have, the architecture that originated there and the marriage rituals and
tradition followed.

Culture is an integral part of one’s life. As the most common saying goes “Unity in diversity”,
India has proven to live upto diversity in all forms. For example the diversity in religions:
Hinduism, Islamic, Christianity, Jainism, Buddhism, Sikhism and many more. It has also been
the birth place of Hinduism, Jainism and more. Indian culture is famous for its traditions,
hospitality and warmth in relations. For example touching feet of elders to receive blessings, the
greeting Namaste and fasting for the long life of one’s husband.

Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western parts of India all have their distinct and vivid cultures.
In the North we have the Taj Mahal, the holy city of Varanasi also known as the Hindu
heartland, the holy river Ganga, the Golden Temple of Amritsar and many more religious sights.
Women wear salwar kameez with dupattas and saris while men wear kurt, sherwani, dhoti and
with a striking head turban called pagri. The food comprises of roti or chapatti and Mughlai
cuisine with specialities such as lassi, dal makhani and pethas. Sikh population is found in the
north state of Punjab while the state of Jammu and Kashmir comprises mostly of the Muslim
population. They listen to Hindustani classical music and shastriya sangeet.

In the South women wear sari while men wear sarong, dhoti or lungi usually. Rice is an
important staple of their diet. Coconut is a frequently used ingredient. People prefer sea food and
have their meals on banana leaves. They prefer coffee and pickles. They listen to Carnatic music
along with Indian classical music. There are various forms of dances prevalent such as
Koodiyattam, Oppana, Mohiniattam and many more. Hinduism is mostly prevalent in the
southern most states of India.
In the East there is Buddhism prevalent. The seven sister states are have a use of rice in their
food along with bamboo sticks and lotus stems. The Hornbill Festival of Nagaland is quite
famous being a tribute to the trial culture. Bodh gaya in Bihar is a holy place for the Buddhists.

In the west the states are Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa having a royal history. Maharashtra has a
history of Hindu Vedic period. Gujarat is famous of its delicacies, Rann Utsav, the Kite festival
and as a birth place of Mahatma Gandhi. Goa is famous for its beaches and its history with the
Dutch and Portugese. It has very famous churches including the Basilica of Bom Jesus
containing St. Francis Xavier’s dead body. There are a lot of vineyards found in Nasik.
Maharashtrain food is famous for its spicy misads, pav bhajis and vada pavs.

India’s strength is its culture. Rich ethnic heritage of India is its pride. Indian culture has its own
multiple strongholds which provide us with different outlook towards life.

Strengths

History of a nation gives us a glimpse of magnanimity of its culture’s evolution. The history
institutes a sense of nation pride in the heart of every individual.

India has a patriarchal culture. The concept of joint family still exists in many parts of India. The
strength of having big families is it instills a sense of moral affections and creates a responsibility
to respect elders. Time is spent with the family brings about a type of bond and attachment.
Parents tend to take care of their children by themselves and the child therefore spends less time
in cribs and playpens.

The AWGP (All World Gayatri Pariwar) has ranked Indian culture as the first supreme culture.
Indian culture has spirituality in it.

Indian food comprises of a well balanced diet. This not only makes us physically strong but also
makes us mentally strong. The Bhagavad Gita also explains the dietary practices (chapter 17
verses 8-10). Foreign invasions brought new cooking methods, the plantation of teas was brought
about also the Mughlai cuisine. The seasoning of saffron was a culture brought about which has
many health benefits.
India has a variety of spices no other country has, thereby called ‘The Land of Spices’. A variety
in cuisine is found from using spices and herbs to making mouthwatering sweets.

The rich heritage of India is seen through the celebration of festivals. The whole community or
neighborhood brings liveliness to such an occasion whole heartedly. Festivals are celebrated for
various reasons from the onset of rain and harvest to the birth of a saint or divine being; from
religious occasions to welcoming seasons. A few of the festivals celebrated are Guru Nanak
Jayanti, Christmas, Ramnavami, Id-ul-Zuha, Deepavali, Raksha Bandhan and Janmashmi.
Traditions have gifted the country with festivals. Festivals reflect a sense of patriotism and
provide an enhancement of the Indian culture. Individuals celebrate all festivals irrespective of
their religion and this strengthens the bond to humanity. Tourists come to visit the festivals and
join in the spirit of enthusiasm and pride.

Indian literature is one of the oldest. Holy texts such as Vedas and Manusmritis are written in
Sanskrit. Some of the texts include 'Abhijanam Shakuntalam' and 'Meghdoot' by Kalidasa,
'Mricchakatika' by Shudraka, 'Svapna Vasavadattam' by Bhaasa, and 'Ratnavali' by Sri Harsha.
Some other famous works are Chanakya's 'Arthashastra' and Vatsyayana's 'Kamasutra. It has
been the golden era of Indian literature.

Mansmriti and other literature texts consist of worldly advice. Epics such as Mahabharata and
Ramayana have been influencing and knowledge driving. The freedom of thought has been a
concept since ages (Rigveda 1.164.46).

Indian culture and traditional vibrancy is portrayed through its arts and crafts. Folk art is popular
among the tribes and rural population. The art was ethnic and simple yet colorful and vibrant to
speak of the rich Indian heritage. Folk art is not limited to painting but extends to pottery, home
decorations, ornaments and clot making too. Ornaments worn by Indian women have traditional
and aesthetic value. Indians demonstrate pride in the manner in which they wear these
ornaments. Earlier ornaments comprised of heavy voluminous gold pieces. Different regions
have different styles. For example Manipuris use shells and semistones for their ornaments while
Assamese draw inspiration from flora and fauna. Ornaments have been passed down by
generations preserving the rich cultural values.
Institutions engaged in preserving our culturally important sites such as Taj Mahal, Ajanta and
Ellora caves, Gwalior fort, Elephanta caves, Red fort, Kye monastery, Sun temple, Hawa temple
and many more.

The intrinsic part of Indian culture’s identity is its regional dance forms such as Garba, Bihu,
Dandiya, Bhangra and so on.

Handicrafts are a creative product of Indian culture, for example the Kashmiri wollen carpets and
the Zari fabrics. The skill of hand is a mirror reflection of the rich heritage of Indian culture. It is
well reagarded for its rugs, craft, metalwork, bronzes, stone carving, pottery, woodwork and
jewellery. Warli art which originated in India is a concept of modern nature. It is traditional
knowledge and cultural intellectual property preserved across generations. These paintings depict
social life and they were believed to evolve power of God.

Indian culture has a concept of existence of supreme reality. For example the concepts of
immorality Atma, Ultimate aim of attaining Moksha, the true guru which leads us on the spiritual
path, the law of Karma, incarnation concepts, Doctrine of Ahimsa and many more.

Martial art that is sastra vidhya which means weapon knowledge also belongs to the Indian
cultural aspect. Arthashastra attributed to Chanakya, chief advisor of Chandragupt Maurya, one
of the earliest treaties on state craft covers diverse topics such as economics, politics, diplomacy
and military statergy. It has influenced some martial art forms such as Ankam, Bokator, Pencak
Silat, Thaing and many more.

It is the Indian customs and traditions followed by people which make them Indians. The US
courts in defining the term “Indian” have followed the test laid down in United States Vs Rogers.
A person may by such adoption become entitled to certain privileges in the tribe and make
themselves amenable to their laws and usages. Yet they are not an Indian; and the exception is
confined to those who by the usages and customs of the Indians are regarded as belonging to
their race.

Weaknesses

Tradition in modern world is fighting for tradition. Patriarchy evolved during the Vedic period.
The country’s caste system, gender inequality and cultural customs has aided in the creation of a
male dominated society. The taboo of girl child being a burden to the family yet exists in the
rural parts of India.

As it is said ignorance is death and Indians have blind faith and devotion in so many things. Faith
often leads them to ignoring more important issues, such as the river Ganga is getting polluted
with endless blind beliefs and ending up being polluted. Similar are the superstitions, passed
down by ancestors, where people follow them without reason. This often blinds a man’s power
of judgment, affecting his behavior and state of mind.

Dowry system is a marriage custom, social and a ritual. It is not limited to the Hindu religion but
also exceeds to something called Mahr. Dowry related crime causes death of a woman every 90
minutes. 1.4 per 100,000 women are a victim of dowry deaths in India.

In India there exists stereotypic prejudice, prestige is given more importance and the question of
what the society thinks/ will think decide a lot of things. For example, many people yet feel as
doctor and engineer are the only 2 professions one should take up. In India there is no respect for
individual privacy; relatives and neighbors feel it is there right to interfere in everything.

Indian culture of respecting elders no matter what, is a weakness too. Respect is something done
out towards goodness of character and age shouldn’t be a criteria.

The concept of caste system in India stands against democracy by causing inequality and
hierarchy. Many a time caste interest is favored over national interests. Suppression increases
and there is a lack of dignity of labor. Earlier castes system was to divide occupation but now
people are born in a particular caste. Earlier it was to create specialization of labor and social
structure but now it divides the nations. It restricts job opportunities thereby weakening the
economy.

Caste system hampered national development. The concept of untouchability is still prevalent in
many parts of India. Dalits despite laws to protect them face widespread discrimination. A
survey conducted showed that 64% of the people questioned faced discrimination and atrocities.

Sex education is lacking in India because people feel that having moral values, culture and
traditions is sufficient. People feel there is no need to teach such topics as it is an adult topic and
children should not know about it. Lack of comprehensive data makes it difficult to exactly tell
the students the impact of problems related to sex such as increase in the incidences of AIDS. It
calls for a sound educational program for children and young people. Similar is the case with
alcoholism.

Reservations is anti national as it creates a gap in the society; anti progressive as it does not
award based on merit; anti secular as it differentiates groups of people. Although diversity is a
quality for which Indian culture is known for, it has created communal violence, social tension
and also corruption. There is work place issues due to discrimination faced due to diversity.
Indian conservatism, as an organized political force appears very weak despite country’s ancient
and well rooted traditions.

Opportunities

Intangible cultural heritage of India provides a large scope for tourism attracting foreigners to
India’s glorious past. India’s rich heritage, culinary delights and geographical diversity have
attracted people from all over the globe.

Tourism is a wide opportunity as the FTAs have reported a growth in 4.5 % tourists visiting
India. A collection of US $ 91.3 billion in 2017 and arrivals of 8.2 million people in 2015.
Tourism has provided 25.9 million jobs in 2017 directly and indirectly. Schemes such as
Swadesh Darshan and Prasad have been started with strong air connectivity network called
UDAN.

India’s travel and tourism sector ranks 7 th in the world in terms of its total contribution to
country’s GDP (report by WTTC)

India is developing its tourism through its festivals too. Ministry of Tourism is boosting India’s
economy through festivals such as Kumbh Mela, Navaratri, Rann Utsav and many more. In
2013-2014 2.5 lakh people attended the Rann Utsav with 37% of the tourists being international.
This encourages people to visit and interact with local community, ambience, customs and local
culture.

UNESCO has declared 31 sites in India as heritage sites. There are 30 cultural sites, 7 natural
sites and 1 mixed site. People come to see one of the seven wonder of the world that is the Taj
Mahal and also places like Mahabalipur for its sculptural and architectural sites.
Indian cuisine is also popular across the globe. The Indian food industry in UK is worth 3.2 £
billion with cherished recipes from the motherland. India exported items worth 40.41 million US
$ in 2001-2002.

Folk art has great potential internationally because of its traditional aesthetic value and
authenticity. Handicrafts reflecting the culture was exported far off via silk route.

Shri Venkaiah Naidu said, “Yoga is India’s great legacy and most glorious gift to the world”.
People have been connecting to India through yoga. Yoga is a therapy of the mind and body
involving a series of exercises which promotes the Indian spirituality. United Nations General
Assembly had organized celebration of World Yoga Day spreading the message throughout
countries. Around 36 million Americans practice yoga and there has been an increase of 50 %
since 2012-2016.

Ayurveda has also brought an opportunity for the Indian culture to broaden its influence. The
AYUSH program helps in broadening the horizon for the spread of ayurveda. There are
countries where Ayurveda has a strong scientific base and is well recognized as a medical
sysrem with an independent status. The Alma Ata declaration of WHO in 1980 recognized
Ayurveda as an alternate holistic system of medicine.

The cinematography field has also been recognized in other countries. Movies done
internationally well are Lagan which was nominated for the academy award, Panther Panchai,
Court which was the best film in the international Venice film festival, Mother India which was
the 1st Indian movie to get nominated for the Oscars and so on. The spread of Sanskrit as well as
Buddhism has brought a lot of recognition regarding the Indian culture. Vedic books and
Literature has been translated and read by others for an insight into our deep rooted heritage and
culture. Ministry of culture has started a number of schemes to preserve the cultural elements.
Schemes and programs for individual groups and cultural organizations engaged in performing
visuals and literary arts.

Threats

The beauty and irony of Indian culture all wrapped in one. On one hand the development of India
through its intangible cultural heritage. On the other hand threat to its culture due to
westernization and globalization. The concept of joint families had been prevalent in India. But
in the past few years, 88 percent families have three to four members with no senior members.
Joint family system has degrading and declining. People prefer being aloof, no one wants to be
part and parcel of another’s happiness or pain. Cheerfulness and blessing of togetherness is not
preferred by people nowadays.

Marriage values have also been changed drastically. The concept of dating and live-in has swept
in. It is not about being good or bad. The issue is of changed priority. Social values have been
lost due to westernization.

Youth of today prefers to eat junk food and fast food which is the culture abroad. Western foods
contain too much fat and this causing the obesity rate in India to increase. In the Indian religion,
you are not allowed to eat pork or meat however, since the western foods have kicked in, many
Indians are no longer respecting their religion and are eating things against their religion. This is
causing the value of the Indian religion to decrease and is changing many people's lifestyles.
Today in India, there are more western restaurants like KFC, or Mac Donald's compared to the
Indian restaurants there are. 

The roots of our culture have loosened up their hold onto the society bringing about certain
threats it faces.

In a case of Carle Vs Carle, the issue was of the custody of an Indian child. Whom should the
child go to, the father who had Indian culture or the mother who had non Indian culture. The
court held that the child would be emotionally and economically more secure in urban setting.
The judgment was reversed in favor of the mother because Indian village way of life was
succumbing to the predominant urban society.

Western culture being more advanced and open has been something the youth now inspires. Due
to westernization the dialect has been changing. People are embarrassed to speak Hindi and
English has become overrated. In India, there are more than 700 languages spoken. However,
many of these mother tongue languages are beginning to fade away. As usual, to get a good job,
you must know the basic language (English) or other additional ones. So many people today are
focusing on these languages and are forgetting about their mother tongue thus, this is making
their religion less important. 
Farming used to predominate in India, the agricultural sector was of great importance to our
culture. But now due to globalization different professional fields have opened up.

Westernization is ruining the traditional clothing of the Indian culture. For example, in India, the
traditional dressing is sari, dhoti and kurta however, today there are lots of people wearing more
of western clothing like jeans, tee-shirts and girls are wearing short skirts tops etc. In India, there
is approximately 25% of western clothing. The change of fashion in India is now leading to
reduction of the importance of the Indian culture to many people.

Globalization has had a major transformation on the culture. It has left back its footprints in
every sphere.

Conclusion

“Crisis and an opportunity” India is a multi-lingual, multi-traditional, multi-cultural, multi-

Variety of eras have come and gone but no one was so powerful to change the influence of our
real culture. The culture of younger generations is still connected to older generations through
umbilical cord. But now the youth does not believe in the traditional aspects, the culture will
vary with time and will not be traditional anymore because of the modern world. All in all the
aspects are frequently practiced but tomorrow's generation are going to change it. 

Everything has its pros and cons, but it depends on how one converts them to one’s benefit in
order to sustain itself against the external forces. Similarly the Indian culture has its strengths and
weaknesses but it depends on how Indians take the opportunities due to its strengths and convert
it in order to prevent the culture from disintegrating and dying.

For anyone to preserve and celebrate their heritage, first they must have a deep sense of pride in
it. This pride is diminishing in today’s times. By sharing art and cultural items, a learning
process ensues about the objects and about those who have created it. In this manner art and
cultural objects can assist in bridging gaps that divides people. It becomes enriched and shaped
by sharing.
Mahatma Gandhi once said, “A nation's culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its
people.” Although in today’s time Indian cultural is degrading it still resides in the heart and soul
of many people.